HAMILTON COUNTY — A Hamilton County judge on Thursday rejected a plea deal for a suspended Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing a teenage boy in 2016.
Hamilton Superior Judge Michael Casati rejected the agreement that would have allowed David Marcotte to plead guilty to one count of dissemination of matter harmful to minor, a level 6 felony.
In exchange, Hamilton County Prosecutor D. Lee Buckingham II's office would have dismissed charges of child solicitation and vicarious sexual gratification.
Marcotte now faces trial on the three felony counts. Casati scheduled a jury trial for Oct. 10.
"We're just pleased with the results and that this guy is actually going to have to stand trial for his sins and crimes," the father of the now 19-year-old victim told WRTV in a telephone interview. WRTV is not naming the father because the station does not typically identify alleged victims of sexual abuse.
The boy was 14 and 15 when Marcotte allegedly texted him inappropriate photos and engaged in sexual conduct via social media platforms, court documents say.
Marcotte met the boy in 2016 when he worked at St. Malachy Church and School in Brownsburg. The abuse allegedly happened in 2017 and 2018, according to a probable cause affidavit.
At the time, Marcotte was also assigned to St. Martin of Tours Parish in Martinsville. He was serving as a chaplain at Roncalli High School, the University of Indianapolis and provided sacramental assistance at Saints Francis and Clare Parish in Greenwood when the Archdiocese of Indianapolis suspended him from the priesthood in 2019.
Contact WRTV reporter Vic Ryckaert at victor.ryckaert@wrtv.com or on Twitter: @vicryc.
-
Court docs: Hailey Buzbee communicated with suspect for over a year
New court documents from the Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, Ohio, have been released in the death investigation of Fishers teen Hailey Buzbee.
Looking to buy a home in 2026? Why Zillow ranks Indianapolis as your best bet
A new report from Zillow ranked Indianapolis as the most buyer-friendly housing market in 2026, with real estate agents saying it's one of the best times for homebuyers to get into this market.
Father of Hailey Buzbee urges stronger online child protection laws
Beau Buzbee, the father of Hailey Buzbee, delivered an emotional plea to Indiana lawmakers Monday, urging them to pass legislation protecting children from online dangers.
Indianapolis apartment tenants victimized in $20K rent payment theft scheme
Dozens of tenants at two Indianapolis apartment complexes discovered their rent payments never reached their accounts after a former property manager allegedly stole more than $20,000 from residents.
